Every woman who is preparing to become a mother expects the moment when she can put her crumbs to her breast. However, this process is not always smooth and without difficulties. Quite often, newly made mothers have sore nipples when feeding. The reasons for this may be different. This article will tell you about why nipples hurt during feeding and how to deal with it.
Breast-feeding
It's no secret that lactation is an absolutely natural process. Through breast milk, the baby receives essential nutrients. Also, the immunity of the crumbs in the first months after birth is very weak. Mom can feed the baby and thus give it its immune defense.
In the first days after the birth of a child, a woman may not have milk. At the same time, colostrum begins to stand out in small portions. Do not worry that the baby does not have enough. Nature has thought of everything. After 2-4 days after giving birth, milk begins to arrive. This is where the first difficulties arise, which are manifested in the fact that a woman has severely sore nipples when feeding. How to deal with this phenomenon?
Pay attention to the amount of milk
If nipples are sore during feeding, this may be an indirect sign that the baby is not enough nutrition. Observe the crumbs during the sucking process. Listen to his swallowing movements. Perhaps there is no milk at all in your chest? Because of this, the baby is irritated, begins to suck more intensively, but the effect does not occur.
In this case, the only way out is temporary lure. Put your baby on your chest as often as possible. Stimulation of the nipples will lead to increased lactation. You can also try drinking special teas to increase the amount of milk. So that at this time the baby does not remain hungry, give him a small amount of the adapted mixture.
Teach your baby to grab the chest properly
If your nipples are sore during feeding, the reason for this may be incorrect placement of the baby. In the normal position, the baby should completely capture the areola. Its tongue is placed above the lower jaw and may even extend beyond the mouth. The baby's sponges should be relaxed and turned out.
If the baby pinches the tongue and greatly strains the lips, then such a grip is incorrect. In this case, he gives mom severe pain and simply flattenes the nipple. Show your baby the right grip. Using your fingers, gently twist his lips and bring them into a relaxed state. It will be more convenient for the child to eat in this position himself. Within a few days you will be able to note that the pain has begun to subside.
Use chest pads
If your nipples are sore during feeding, the cause may be their irregular shape. Moreover, women’s breasts are most often small. Flat or retracted nipples can be developed over time. However, in this case, you will need to be patient.
The way out of this situation is quite simple. Get silicone breast pads. With their help, the baby will be fed, and the discomfort of the mother during the process will disappear.
Use medications as needed
Nipples are often sore when feeding due to infection. In most cases, it is a fungal infection. Thrush can be not only on the nipples of the mother, but also in the baby's mouth. You can not self-medicate. It is worth contacting a specialist for help and a qualified appointment.
The only thing you can do in this situation yourself is to treat the breast with soda solution. However, before the next feeding, you need to thoroughly wash off the applied composition. Otherwise, the baby feels a bitter taste and completely abandons natural nutrition.
Use healing ointments
Often, women experience nipples when breastfeeding in the first weeks after giving birth. In this case, we are not talking about any pathology. The child simply learns to suck and slightly injures the delicate skin of the mammary glands.
The correction in this case is the use of healing ointments. Most of them require subsequent rinsing from the nipples before the next feeding. Bepanten is the best option. It does not need to be washed off, it is absolutely safe for the baby. The drug quickly heals cracks and abrasions. A few days after regular use, mom feels much better.
Do not take your baby’s breasts while breastfeeding
Pain in the nipples during and after breastfeeding may occur due to the fact that Momma forcefully takes away her breasts from the baby. At the same time, the unsaturated baby protests and tries to grab hold of the nipple with his gums. All this causes discomfort and pain to a woman. What to do in this case?
There may be two options. It is necessary to give the baby plenty of pumping. When he gets tired, the baby will let go of your chest. If you urgently need to stop the process, then proceed as follows. Place your little finger between the baby’s tongue and the nipple. The baby will immediately open his mouth and let go of your chest.
Stop (collapse) breastfeeding
The very last way to get rid of nipple pain during lactation is to simply curtail breastfeeding. In this case, the baby will eat the milk mixture from the bottle. It is worth noting that most pediatricians and experienced professionals do not welcome this method. However, some mothers still use it.
Remember that the best nutrition for your baby is breast milk. Only in this way can the baby receive all the nutrients and vitamins. Not a single modern adapted mixture can replace a baby's natural feeding. Doctors and experts advise to continue the established lactation at least until the child reaches six months. Feed the baby correctly and for as long as possible. If you encounter difficulties and problems, contact lactation specialists and experienced pediatricians. Easy and enjoyable process of breastfeeding!